A Review of "It's What I Do" by Lynsey Addario

Lynsey Addario is an American, Photo-Journalist and Author. She photographed for Time Magazine, The New York Times, and National Geographic.

Lynsey Addario's memoir, "It's What I Do," is not simply a war photographer's chronicle; it's a raw and necessary exploration of the human cost of conflict, especially for women.  As an aid worker who has traversed war zones from Afghanistan to Sri Lanka, Addario's unflinching portrayal resonated deeply with my own experiences.

The book opens with a powerful image – a young Afghan woman forced to wear a burqa under Taliban rule. This single image speaks volumes, capturing the crushing loss of freedom for women under such oppressive regimes.  Addario's strength lies in going beyond mere documentation.  She infuses her work with a personal touch, allowing the reader to connect with the human stories behind the conflict.

While she doesn't shy away from the brutality – the devastation of Darfur, the harrowing details of her kidnapping in Libya – her lens also finds moments of tenderness.  A mother cradling her starving child in Somalia, the quiet defiance in the eyes of a Congolese rape survivor – these images stay with you long after you turn the page. 

Having spent years traversing war zones myself – from Afghanistan to Sri Lanka – Addario's unflinching portrayal resonated deeply. As an aid worker, witnessing the aftermath of conflict has become a grim part of my job. However, Addario's work goes beyond the immediate crisis. She captures the long-term consequences, the psychological scars that linger long after the fighting stops. For me, the image of former child soldiers in Liberia, haunted by their experiences, was particularly haunting.

There's a certain voyeurism inherent in war photography, a question of exploitation. Addario addresses this head-on, describing her internal struggles and the ethical considerations of photographing suffering. She doesn't claim to have all the answers, but her commitment to amplifying the voices of the voiceless comes through powerfully.

While my own experiences in conflict zones provided valuable context for Addario's stories, particularly the unspoken suffering of women, this book is more than just a confirmation of what I've already witnessed. It's a testament to the unwavering courage of both the journalist and the women she encounters. Addario doesn't just document; she compels us to confront uncomfortable truths and demands accountability for the atrocities she witnesses.

The book is a powerful and necessary read.  It urges us to see the true cost of war, to not turn away from the suffering of innocents, especially women.  It's a call to action and a reminder of the power of photojournalism to spark empathy and ignite change..